3 reasons why Phil Salt will fetch a big sum at the IPL 2025 Auction
The IPL 2025 auction is just around the corner and the excitement is building up as teams gear up to engage in fierce bidding wars for players who can make a difference in the seasons to come.
One among the many names that is bound to be in high demand is England's Phil Salt. After being overlooked in the 2024 auction initially, Salt was later picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Jason Roy. He proved to be a sensational addition, turning into one of their best batters.
Salt amassed 435 runs across 12 innings at an impressive strike-rate in excess of 180. His explosive batting style helped him score consistently and he played a key role in KKR's successful season, contributing to their title win.
Despite his brilliant performance, KKR had to release Salt ahead of the 2025 auction. His release has undoubtedly sparked interest across multiple franchises. He is among the players who are expected to create bidding wars and go for big money.
Here are three major reasons why Phil Salt is likely to fetch a substantial sum at the IPL 2025 auction.
#3 Top-order firepower with proven IPL performance
Phil Salt’s aggressive style at the top of the order is a valuable asset for any IPL franchise. His ability to go hard from the first ball is precisely what teams seek in an opener, and his performance for KKR last season was a testament to his effectiveness.
Salt scored 435 runs with a staggering strike rate of 182 and an average of 39.54, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers in the powerplay and set up the innings with explosive starts. His consistency in scoring, highlighted by four fifties in 12 innings, played a crucial role in KKR’s success and their eventual title win.
Overall, Salt has scored an impressive 653 runs from 21 innings with six fifties and a strike-rate of 175.53.
#2 Dual role as a wicketkeeper and opener
Salt’s versatility as both an opener and a wicketkeeper makes him a hot commodity for teams seeking players who can balance multiple roles. While he may not keep wickets for England, Salt has been trusted with the gloves for his franchise teams, which adds value to his profile.
For franchises like Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI), who both released their primary wicketkeepers, Salt could be an ideal addition as he can fill the dual role seamlessly. His ability to contribute in multiple areas gives him a competitive edge in the auction, as teams are often willing to invest heavily in players who can perform more than one role effectively.
This unique skill-set is something that other contenders, including Rajasthan Royals, may also find appealing, particularly with the release of Jos Buttler, creating a need for a dynamic opener. KKR, too, would themselves look to buy him back as they would want him at the top once again.
#1 Impressive international record and growing reputation
Salt’s recent performances on the international stage only add to his reputation as a player on the rise. In T20Is, he has amassed 1,047 runs with an impressive strike rate of 167.52, including three centuries. His recent innings against the West Indies, where he scored an unbeaten 103 in just 54 balls, demonstrated his power-hitting ability and potential to take on any bowling attack.
At 28, he is at the peak of his game, with decent experience and a fearless approach that resonates with the aggressive style of modern-day cricket. The hype around Salt’s potential to deliver match-winning knocks makes him a player that franchises will be willing to invest in. His familiarity with IPL conditions, especially after a successful season with KKR, only adds to his appeal.
As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, Phil Salt's performance, versatility, and international experience make him a sought-after asset for several franchises. Expect a bidding war for Salt, as his impactful style of play aligns perfectly with the demands of the league, setting him up to secure a substantial contract this season.